Wanda Barzee, the woman convicted of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart over two decades ago, was arrested on Thursday, May 1, 2025, for violating her sex offender probation. Barzee, now 79, was apprehended at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, after it was reported that she illegally visited Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, both of which are prohibited areas for registered sex offenders.
In 2002, Barzee and her husband, Brian David Mitchell, abducted then-14-year-old Smart from her home, holding her captive for nine harrowing months. During this time, Smart endured repeated sexual assaults, with Barzee allegedly encouraging her husband’s abuse. Following her conviction, Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, serving nearly nine years before her release on parole in September 2018.
According to a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department, Barzee was arrested without incident. Court documents reveal that she confessed to visiting Liberty Park because “she was commanded to by the Lord,” and expressed a desire to “sit on the benches and feed the ducks.” She also admitted to visiting Sugar House Park, both of which are in violation of her probation conditions that prohibit her from entering community parks.
Smart, now 37, has been a vocal advocate against child abduction and sexual violence since her ordeal. Following Barzee’s release from prison, she expressed her concerns regarding Barzee’s proximity to children, particularly when Barzee decided to rent an apartment near an elementary school. In her statement, Smart emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, “Every possible caution and protection should be taken when it comes to protecting our children.”
Barzee’s husband, Brian David Mitchell, is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the kidnapping and sexual assault of Smart. The couple’s crime garnered international media attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by children and the long-lasting impact of such traumatic experiences.
After Barzee’s release, Smart appealed to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole to reconsider her release, arguing that Barzee posed a danger to society. Despite Smart’s concerns, officials determined that Barzee had completed her sentence and could not be held any longer.
Under Utah law, registered sex offenders face strict regulations, including prohibitions against visiting areas where children congregate, such as parks and schools. Violating these laws can result in serious legal consequences, including a class A misdemeanor charge, which carries a potential punishment of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
After her recent arrest, Barzee was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail but has since been released. It remains unclear whether she was released on bail or through judicial orders. The Salt Lake City Police Department has not disclosed further details regarding her legal representation.
This latest incident has reignited public discourse around the safety of children and the legal protections in place for sex offenders. Advocates for child safety are calling for stricter measures to ensure that individuals with a history of child abuse are monitored closely, especially in community settings.
Smart’s advocacy work continues to focus on raising awareness about the dangers of child abduction and the need for stronger protections for children. She has become a prominent figure in discussions about victim rights and the challenges faced by survivors of violent crimes.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Barzee unfold, many are left wondering about the effectiveness of current laws designed to protect communities from individuals with violent pasts. The case serves as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of crime on victims and their families, and the ongoing struggle for justice and safety in society.
With Barzee’s recent actions raising alarm bells, it is clear that the conversation around sex offender regulations and community safety is far from over. Advocates and community members alike are calling for more robust systems to ensure that those who have committed serious crimes against children are held accountable and monitored appropriately.
Elizabeth Smart’s story remains a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity, and her continued advocacy shines a light on the need for vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As this situation develops, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the implications for public safety and the measures necessary to prevent future tragedies.
